Choosing the right flooring for your commercial spaces (and the best for that matter) is not always an easy choice. With many different types of flooring to consider alongside which is most suited to your needs, it can leave you unsure of the best flooring option to go for. Different commercial spaces will have different requirements for the flooring. Other factors such as budget and time will also impact your decision. To help you choose the best flooring option for your commercial space, here are 5 tips to consider.
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1. Cost
Perhaps the most significant factor in your decision is the cost. Cost can be extremely important when working to a budget. Some business owners may be tempted to choose the cheapest flooring option to save money but doing so is both impractical and can affect your business image in the long term. Going for the cheapest option may save you money in the short term, but you could find your floor needs replacing again in a few years. You could also find you’ll be paying more in maintenance costs just to keep the floor looking good.
Instead, you want to choose a flooring option that is durable, good value for money, visually appealing and good for your businesses image. While the flooring in your commercial space may be one of the most costly, there are plenty of options you can choose from. Here’s a quick comparison of flooring types and their cost:
- Carpet tiles are durable and versatile, with a reasonable price tag.
- Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is a relatively new and affordable flooring option that provides you with the all-natural look.
- Rubber flooring is extremely durable and hard wearing. The price is higher compared to other flooring options as a result.
- Laminate flooring provides a similar look to LVT but is otherwise entirely different. Not as hardwearing, laminate flooring can be a cheaper alternative to LVT.
- Stone flooring provides a natural, elegant and unique look to a commercial space. The price, however, may stretch your budget.
Want to find out more about whether LVT is right for your business? See five facts you need to know!
2. Practicality
Another consideration you may have when looking for the best flooring option is the practicality. Every business will have different needs for their flooring. Business and office spaces will need floors that are high quality and look stylish. Healthcare and factory premises may need a flooring option that is hard wearing, forgoing the style in favour of durability and practicality. Picking a flooring option that is suited to the needs of your commercial space is a big deciding factor that you cannot simply ignore. Getting it wrong can have big consequences.
Undoubtedly, whichever flooring option you pick will result in some disruption to your business. Some flooring options are much easier and quicker to install than others. Options such as carpet tiles and LVT can be fitted relatively quickly. To minimise the disruption to your business, consider flooring options that can be installed easily. Then you can resume normal business operations as quickly as possible. But remember not to forfeit other factors over how quickly the floor can be installed.
3. Durability
Some commercial spaces will see a higher footfall than others. Schools, commercial offices and reception areas are commercial spaces that will see a lot of footfall. The flooring in these spaces will also need to withstand a lot of day-to-day activity. Furniture and chairs, as well as footfall, will all add to the need for a hard wearing option. In these instances, carpet tiles may be the best option.
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Other commercial spaces will require different flooring that is hygienic and extremely hardwearing. Healthcare and factory commercial spaces will favour flooring that is durable and hardwearing over the design. For these premises the flooring solution will also need to be accessible and much easier to clean. Rubber, concrete and tiles may be the best option for these commercial spaces.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance fits in with a variety of other factors we have looked at, including practicality. The ease of cleaning and maintaining the flooring is another factor to consider. Picking a flooring option that is likely to experience high levels of foot traffic and spillages will require a flooring option that can easily be cleaned and maintained.
It is no good spending out money on a flooring only to see it badly spoilt within the first 5 minutes. Anything from mud stains, coffee spillages and markings can ruin a brand new floor. Fortunately, there are a number of flooring options that can be easily cleaned and maintained. Carpet tiles, LVT, and rubber flooring are all options that are easy to maintain and clean.
The cost of cleaning products to maintain the floors will also no doubt play a role in deciding the best flooring option. In the event that a part of the flooring becomes irreparably damaged, a flooring option that is flexible and easy to replace can be handy. For example, a flooring option that allows you to replace only the damaged tile will be much more beneficial than having to replace the whole floor. Choosing the right floor will reduce the need to continually maintain it in order to keep it looking fresh.
5. Your Business Image
One factor you may not consider when choosing the best flooring option for your commercial space, is the impact it can have on your business image. The flooring you choose can have a big influence on how people perceive your business. That includes employees as well as customers. If you want to create a good impression, you’ll need to choose a flooring option that reflects your business image. Sometimes the flooring in your commercial space can be the first and last impression a customer gets.
Whatever the impression you are trying to give, you should consider how the flooring reflects that. If you want to give a modern and stylish look, the flooring you pick for your commercial spaces needs to be just that. It is no good building a brand image built on certain values if your premises and commercial space reflects something entirely different.
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Picking the right flooring for your commercial space is no easy feat. With so many things to consider and balance, it can be a difficult reaching a decision. With a wide range of flooring options available, the hard work is researching which flooring will be best for your business. If you’re still not sure, take the time to get some samples. See what works best. Spending that little extra time on getting the right flooring will make all the difference. Check out our portfolio to see some of the flooring projects we have undertaken.
To find out more about the right flooring for your business needs, get in touch